One of the spots on the holding’s assets map is Ganz Eem, a Hungarian company, boasting rich traditions and strong innovative base. We decided to investigate the secret of its success. The story began as early as almost 170 years ago, in 1844, when Abraham Ganz, a Swiss foundry worker, founded a small factory to produce wheels for European railroads with his own patented technology.
During its existence the Ganz company was always famous for its advanced thinking. It was hear where Nikola Tesla made his first steps to fame. The Ganz engineers invented the first world’s transformer and electric energy distributor. This is where the concept of the Niagara falls power station was elaborated. Today the main Ganz ground is in Budapest. The main building of the production complex is about 50 years younger than the company itself. Its project belongs to the Eiffel architectural office and it is the first building in Europe built using steel concrete, a know-how of that time.
New history
Today there are about 200 specialists working here, about 60 of them – constructors and designers. Ganz is still focused on innovations and is constantly working on new advanced technologies. Besides fuel loading equipment for NPPs the plant produces pumps medium and large size axial, mixed-flow, double-suction centrifugal and submersible pumps. Ganz profile is three main types of medium-sized turbines (pelton, francis, kaplan). Thus, each of seven mighty pumps produced for units 3 and 4 of the Rostov NPP can fill an Olympic-class swimming pool in only 20 seconds. At the summit of the world’s financial crisis the enterprise wasn’t in the best shape, since there were very few orders and the company suffered damage. The new historic period started with establishing joint venture with Atomenergomash. Today the company has renewed a wide equipment range for Russian NPPs. “We participate in all tenders on equal terms” – says Attila Szitar-Csanadi, Ganz Eem Managing Director.
Young team
One third of the design bureau employees are young specialists. The team is very good, very united, proud of the company’s 170 years history. Besides, many things have changed for the better during the recent years. The employees see it and stick to the company, not willing to go.
A significant part in the company’s contracts is Rosatom’s projects, so Russian language is heard a lot in the offices. There are also orders from oil industries, power energy, other country’s nuclear companies, such as Swedish Vattenfall and its order concerning production and maintenance of fuel handling machines. The geography of supplies is wide, from China and Turkey to Indonesia and Pakistan.
Longevity
Today Ganz is about to issue a new product – 1 MW mini HPP, assembled in a container. Due to its modular-type assembling it can be mounted within one month period in any appropriate place. A system like that can provide energy to several medium-sized villages, if there is a river with big overfall nearby. “Some potential clients are already interested, we’ve got orders from Russia, Central Asia, Kazakhstan, Kirgizia”, – says the Director. Another promising device is a new oil pump, its production is about to start.
The plant regularly receives national awards for quality and technical characteristics of its equipment. Thus in the beginning of September a specialized- type pump supplied to the Rostov plant got the Hungarian Grand-Prix. “Last year we got an award for our double-suction welded casing power plant pump, in 2009 – Grand Prix for innovation. Our goal is to grow constantly, meeting the new demands of the market”, – says Attila Szitar-Csanadi. The secret of success is the production’s high quality and strict observance of dates, he believes. “We have to struggle for orders so what matters here a great deal is quality, prices and deadlines. One can’t afford being late”. And longevity is provided by love to
